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GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – State and local leaders gathered in Franklin County Friday to discuss opioid abuse.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Barlett met with local experts on public health in Greenfield to talk about ways to tackle the growing epidemic. The coordinator of the opioid education and awareness task force told 22News getting propper treatment for addicts in Franklin county is the first step in combatting the problem.

“The task force and the state has recognized that we do not have detox services in Franklin County and that’s a real gap. There are also other gaps along the treatment continuum that we are actively pursuing solutions to fill” said Marisa Hebble.

Back in March, Gov. Patrick declared a public health emergency in response to the state’s growing epidemic of heroin overdoses and opioid addiction.